Keys to the cabinets: unlocking biodiversity data in public entomology collections

Canadian entomology collections contain valuable biodiversity and ecological data. To be most accessible to those working outside of the collections, they need to be digitised. Multiple analyses of the digital database of the Odonata collection at the Royal British Columbia Museum (Victoria, British...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian entomologist 2024-12, Vol.156
Main Authors: Gibson, Joel F., Howse, Mackenzie H.W., Paillard, Claire A., Penfold, Cassandra D., Penno, Alannah Z., van der Voort, Genevieve E., Huber, Dezene P.W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aquatic insects
Biodiversity
Climate change
Collections
Community composition
Data analysis
Datasets
Digitization
Entomology
Environmental impact
Geographical distribution
Impact analysis
Insects
Museums
Odonata
Research Paper
Species composition
Taxonomy
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Summary:Canadian entomology collections contain valuable biodiversity and ecological data. To be most accessible to those working outside of the collections, they need to be digitised. Multiple analyses of the digital database of the Odonata collection at the Royal British Columbia Museum (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) were conducted. These analyses reveal that complete digital datasets can be used to explore questions of historical and current geographical distribution and species composition differences based on ecoprovince and elevation. The results of these analyses can be used directly in conservation and climate change impact mitigation decisions. These analyses are possible only because the Odonata collection has received concerted effort to digitise all specimen records. The full value of long-term historical insect biodiversity data can be accessed only once collections are digitised. Additional training and employment of collection management and curatorial staff is essential to optimise the use of abundant but underused Canadian biodiversity data.
ISSN:0008-347X
1918-3240
DOI:10.4039/tce.2024.38